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n“Beloved Concubine is in high spirits today.”

nAt that moment, Zhuang Laoyan looked back. She stood underneath the sunlight, gazing at the emperor who stood underneath the shade of a tree. A bright smile lit up her face. She went forward and saluted. “This concubine greets Your Majesty.”

nAfter the emperor relieved her from paying respects, Zhuang Laoyan pulled at the string of the kite, looking at the emperor with her head tilted. “If Your Majesty also wants to play with a kite, this concubine has another one. But this concubine doesn’t really like that kite. Perhaps Your Majesty would fancy such a bold and powerful kind.”

nFull of interest, Feng Jin said, “Oh, what kind of kite is it?”

nFu Bao, who was attending to them on the side, hurried to present it. Feng Jin casually glanced at it, and broke into a laugh at once. Originally, he had thought it would be in the shape of a tiger or lion. Who would have guessed it would be a reddish-brown Ferghana horse?

n“Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. Naturally, the Son of Heaven supervises the world. To steer an insignificant Ferghana horse should be of no difficulty,” said Zhuang Laoyan, laughing and pleased with herself. “Furthermore, the Ferghana horse this concubine is giving Your Majesty will fly. This is the celestial horse of the legends. The Son of Heaven with a celestial horse is precisely a match made in heaven.”

n“This is the first time We have heard ‘match made in heaven’ used like this.” Feng Jing received the kite. Carefully looked at it. Somewhat disliking it, he said, “Which slave drew this? The horse’s belly is as round as pig’s.”

nAs soon as those words had left his lips, the expressions of Tingzhu and Fu Bao grew strange.

nCatching a clue from their expressions, Feng Jin felt the corners of his lips twitch. He played with the kite’s string. Recalled the beautiful drawing of Consort Ning. This drawing of Zhuang Laoyan was truly a bit unpleasant for the eyes. Although he thought this, Feng Jin said, “It’s a bit fatter than usual, but still looks sturdy. As expected, celestial horses are different from the horses of the mortal realm.”

nThis time, Gao Dezhong was the person whose expression grew strange. His small eyes could not help but take a few more glances at that Ferghana horse. He sighed with emotion in his heart. Fortunately, Xianrong Zhao shamelessly called it a celestial horse. It’d be more appropriate to call it a celestial pig. No wonder Xianrong Zhao did not use this kite; she had found it ugly. In this way, the emperor could still find a way to console Xianrong Zhao about this drawing skill that was too horrible to endure. One would fear only the emperor had this ability.

nOn a spring day with such lovely sunshine and the leaves of a willow stirring gently in the wind, a handsome man and a beautiful woman intimately basked in the sun as they set kites in the sky. It should be considered a beautiful scene. However, what flew in the sky were not a dragon and a phoenix, but a fine horse and a peacock. As such, others found it more natural.

n“It’s falling, it’s falling! Your Majesty needs to run more, or the horse won’t by flying anymore.

n“Faster, faster, run toward the left! There’s wind.”

nGao Dezhong watched in silence as Xianrong Zhao ordered the emperor around. And the emperor was actually smiling. In the end, Gao Dezhong could only slowly, slowly avert his gaze. He truly did not want to admit that the emperor was actually happy being ordered around by an imperial concubine.

nIf Zhuang Laoyan knew what he was thinking, she would tell Gao Dezhong that this was the contemptible personality of the legends. And some men, who hid this innate aspect of themselves, would see this aspect revealed once others hit them.

nZhuang Luoyan squinted as she watched the emperor run around. She smiled brilliantly. Getting the emperor to run around really felt great.

nUnderneath the bright and beautiful sunlight, the empress sat by an outdoor Eight Immortals table. She looked up and noticed an additional kite in the sky. Pushed away the light refreshments a palace maid had brought over. “Take it away. This palace is not hungry.”

nHeyu looked at the palace maid and took the light refreshments from her. She went forward to the empress’ side and said, “Your Majesty, your honored self also did not have much of an appetite at noon. There’s still two hours from now until the evening meal. It’s best to eat a little.”

n“At the front are favored imperial concubines. At the back are the new arrivals. Those women have many schemes. And the emperor visits these women again and again…” The empress sighed. “In a little while, have Diancui tidy up this palace storeroom. Select some suitable jewelry and brocade to confer to these newly-arrived imperial concubines. Has the Department of the Palace arranged for where these three will stay?”

n“Responding to Your Majesty, it has already been arranged. However, Hua Hongxiu, who was supposed to move into the side palace hall of Xihe Palace, was instead moved to Consort Ning’s palace.” Noticing the hesitation in the empress’ expression, Heyu said, “During the noon, Gao Dezhong went to the Department of the Palace. And he specially said that Noble Consort Shu and Xianrong Zhao’s palaces need not accept new people.”

n“With so many imperial concubines in the harem, it just has to be those two’s palaces that won’t accept new people.” A smile of ridicul spread across the empress’ face. “Moreover, it seems none of the new arrivals are simple. Especially that Ning Shengyu. One would fear even Noble Consort Shu would be afraid.”

nThe sun was about to set. By accident, Zhuang Laoyan caused the string of her peacock kite to twist around the string of Ferghana horse kite. As she took in this sight, Zhuang Laoyan turned to the emperor. “Your Majesty, what should we do?”

nFeng Jin smiled at Zhuang Laoyan. Nimbly snipped the strings of the kites. “Since they’re already entwined, then let them be free together.”

nZhuang Laoyan lifted her head, looking at the entwined kites disappearing into the distance among the sunset. An expression of yearning appeared on her face. “How nice.”

nIn silence, Feng Jin casted his gaze on the girl by his side. He was aware of what she yearned for, yet did not continue on her topic of conversation. He reached out. Held her soft hand. The hand on his own was very small; in fact, his hand was large enough to cover hers fully. “Gao Dezhong, arrange Our evening meal at Xihe Palace.”

n“Understood,” replied Gao Dezhong in a low voice. The lower ranked eunuchs behind him cleverly went to spread the message.

nZhuang Laoyan dropped her head, rolling her eyes without a sound. Stringless kites also hoped to be free together. In a little while, they’d fall to who knew where.

nOn that day, Feng Jin conveniently stayed overnight at Xihe Palace. Late at night, he opened his eyes, gazing at the woman asleep in his arms. A good while later, he once again closed his eyes.

n“Noble Lady Ning has arrived. Cairen Hua has arrived. Cairen Yan has arrived.”

nZhuang Laoyan looked at the three girls who had just entered the room. Each of them were seventeen to eighteen years old, and held the distinctive fresh and pure auras of young ladies. Their words and actions were extremely proper.

nShe watched as they kowtowed and saluted to the empress, then curtsied to the other imperial concubines. Zhuang Laoyan couldn’t stop herself from casting a few more glances at Noble Lady Ning. Truly a rare beauty.

n“You three have just entered the imperial palace. If there are any issues, you don’t have to hold reservations. Do not hesitate to inform this palace’s personal first-ranked palace maid, Heyu.” The empress smiled as she looked at Noble Consort Xian and the others. “Of course, you may also inform the personal first-ranked palace maids or supervisory eunuchs of Noble Consort Shu, Noble Consort Xian, and Consort Ning.”

nThe three once again paid respects, proper to the extreme. Others could not see any shortcomings from it.

n“They truly are three remarkable beauties,” said Consort Rou as she looked at them, smiling. “We cannot compare to them.”

n“This concubine has an ugly appearance, and does not dare to compare with Your Highnesses.” Noble Lady Ning saluted. Humbly said, “This concubine truly cannot shoulder Your Highness’ praise.”

n“Elder Sister Ning is correct. Your Highnesses are truly prepossessing,” said Cairen Hua. “Earlier, when this concubine laid eyes on Your Highnesses, this concubine went silly from the sight.”

n“This little mouth truly is sweet.” Noble Consort Xian looked at the three girls. “They are to one’s liking.”

nZhuang Laoyan could guarantee that the women present did not want to praise these three the slightest bit. Unfortunately, they had to maintain their kindhearted and magnanimous reputations. As such, they had to say words that were untrue to their own convictions and made them spit blood.

nOnce she had stepped foot outside the empress’ palace, Zhuang Laoyan let out a large breath of relief. To bully the newcomers wasn’t something smart people did. Who knew if the newcomers would become very favored in the future? There were some instances where one must know one’s enemy before striking.

n“Your Highness,” said Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang as she approached her. A smile on her face, she saluted. “Recently, the peach blossoms in the peach forest have bloomed. Today, the scenery there is the best. Is Your Highness interested in accompanying this concubine to appreciate the peach blossoms?”

nDon’t support theft; read this free at sleepchaser’s wordpress.

nZhuang Laoyan looked up at the sky as she held Tingzhu’s hand for support. “Since that’s the case, why don’t we have a look now?”

nSure enough, the peach blossoms in the peach forest were all in bloom. Zhuang Laoyan and Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang sat by a stone table. Shortly after, palace maids brought over hot tea and pastries. Occasionally, petals would onto the table, adding more charm to the atmosphere.

n“There are new people living in the Taoyu Pavilion Your Highness has lived within in the past.” Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang smiled as she poured a cup of tea for Zhuang Laoyan. She looked in the direction of Taoyu Pavilion.

nA smile graced Zhuang Laoyan’s lips. “If someone leaves, then someone new would live there. Taoyu Pavilion is exquisite and beautiful. Cairen Hua seems to be an innocent and unaffected person. Cairen Yan is well behaved. It wouldn’t squander Taoyu Pavilion’s exquisiteness for the two of them to live there.”

nAs soon as Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang had heard these words, she realized that Zhuang Laoyan was well aware of what occurred in the imperial harem. However, her expression made it seem like she did not care about those things. Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang poured another cup of tea and pushed it toward Zhuang Laoyan. “Your Highness is clear on everything.”

n“Only when one is clear on everything can one appreciate more of the beautiful scenery around us.” Zhuang Laoyan lifted her teacup. Before she could take a sip, a petal from a peach blossom fell into her tea. A smile, and she set down the tea cup. Removed the petal. “This petal has been soaked in the tea and is no longer as tender and lovely as it was.”

nOnce more, Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Zhuang Laoyan. “Naturally, a flower looks the best while still on its sprig.”

nZhuang Laoyan softly chuckled. Then chatted with her about some unrelated things.

nAfter Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang had left, Zhuang Laoyan stood within the peach forest. She lifted her head. Looked at the fluttering petals. If she remembered correctly, it should have been in this peach forest that she had first laid eyes on the emperor.

n“Your Highness,” said Tingzhu with worry. She thought the Zhuang Laoyan, who was in daze, was thinking about the emperor. So she couldn’t hold back from saying, “In a little while, you should have the noon meal.”

n“Indeed, it is getting late,” said Zhuang Laoyan, letting her support her. “Let’s go.”

n“Your Majesty…” Gao Dezhong looked at the emperor, who was watching Xianrong Zhao leave. He did not understand why the emperor did not go over to Xianrong Zhao after seeing her in the peach forest, and instead, watched her in silence,

nFeng Jin glanced at him. Turned around. “Let’s return to the palace.”

nAt once, Gao Dezhong followed suit. Once they reached a door with flowers hanging from it, he couldn’t help but look back. At this moment, he could no longer make out the figures of Xianrong Zhao and her servants.

nThe moment she had left the peach forest, Zhuang Laoyan caught sight of Cairen Yan and Cairen Hua leading one palace maid each as they walked her way.

n“This concubine greets Your Highness Xianrong Zhao.”

nSmiling, Zhuang Laoyan allowed them to stand. “Have the two of you also come to admire the flowers?”

n“Responding to Your Highness, this concubine saw that the flowers are blooming so prettily, so came with Elder Sister Yan for a look.” Cairen Hua carefully looked at Zhuang Laoyan. There seemed to be a trace of timidness in her eyes. “Did this concubine disturb Your Highness’ mood?”

n“This palace is about to leave, so you two did not disturb me.” Zhuang Laoyan took a few more looks at Cairen Hua. “Since this is the case, you two can go. This palace ought to return as well.” Cairen Hua and Cairen Yan were the same age, yet the former deliberately called the latter her elder sister. She truly was innocent.

n“Respectfully sending off Your Highness.”

nZhuang Laoyan hated Cairen Hua’s type the most. Some people wore an innocent and kindhearted appearance to do the most frightening things. Even if something happened, they would wear a kindhearted and innocent expression to show that what they did was an accident. These people posed as good and honest.

n“Your Highness, no matter how this slave looks at Cairen Hua, something seems strange.” Yunxi furrowed her brows, as if pondering what was strange about Cairen Hua.

n“Her clothing and hair arrangement are very similar to Your Highness’,” said Tingzhu, glancing back at the peach forest. Her tone held disdain. “Even her likes are similar.”

nThe tips of Zhuang Laoyan’s brows twitched. After listening to what Tingzhu had said, she realized something. And she could not help but laugh. Imitating others wasn’t a superior technique in the imperial harem. Furthermore, right now, Zhuang Laoyan was highly favored. Cairen Hua thought that the pupil could outdo the master. She did not fear provoking Zhuang Laoyan’s anger.

n“Who cares what she wants to do?” Yunxi snorted coldly. “With that kind of name, she shouldn’t be a good thing.”

nWith indifference, Zhuang Laoyan said, “Don’t pay her too much mind. There are many women in the imperial harem. It’s none of our business how others want to be. All schemes cannot compare to the emperor’s favor.”

n“Your Highness is right. Rather than spend too much energy on scheming against others, why not grasp the emperor’s heart firmly?” said Tingzhu. “After scheming against one person, another person would come. Only the emperor’s favor can make imperial concubines tower above others with an unshakable position.”

n“What should we do if others scheme against us?” asked Yunxi. “In the imperial harem, the more favored one is, the more people will scheme against one.”

n“If others scheme against us, the emperor will back us up. What’s more, could we really not guard against that?” Tingzhu smiled. “In this slave’s opinion, sometimes it’s better to expose others’ schemes than to scheme against others.”

nA smile on her lips, Zhuang Laoyan nodded. Sometimes, waiting for others to scheme against one was a type of scheming itself.

nThank you Lix for the Ko-fi! Since I don’t know which novel you read, I’ll shout you out on all of them.

nOhoho. I can’t wait to see how our girl ZL counters those schemes.

nChapter Supplement:

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nFor those of you still interested in advanced chapters please read this post carefully! There are only no advanced chapters left this month, so if you pledge a tier that gives 2 chapters now, you are basically my suga daddi. A patreon post with November’s release schedule will be available in the next chapter.

nAlso, the ninth chapter of The Times Spent in Pretense is out! You can read it here.

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